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By Bend Total Body Chiropractic Chiropractic Care, Massage Therapy

4 Reasons Why to Visit Your Chiropractor This Spring

Punxsutawney Phil has made the rare prediction that spring will come early this year. As you begin to prepare for the slightly warmer weather and start crossing tasks off your spring-cleaning lists, you should take a moment to check in first with your physical health at Total Body Chiropractic & Massage.

Fortunately, chiropractic care can help you shake off the winter blues and ready your body for springtime activities in four major ways.

Rewarming the Muscles and Joints

It’s no secret that the winter months lend themselves to staying indoors and indulging on holiday goodies. The lack of exercise and bitter chill lead to stiff joints and tight muscles, which likely won’t mend themselves naturally.

Chiropractic and massage can ease the toll winter has taken on your body by improving mobility and decreasing inflammation. Massage therapy aims to stretch the muscles and increase blood circulation to reawaken your body from its hibernation. Followed by chiropractic adjustments to release tension, your body will feel looser and more comfortable.

Promoting Optimal Performance for Outdoor Activities

Spring marks peak ski season for Mt. Bachelor with the Big Wave Challenge ringing in the occasion – or perhaps you opt for the hiking, cycling or 5K events available around the city. Regardless of how you celebrate spring, equip your body for the outdoor fun with chiropractic and massage treatment. When your body is out of alignment, you’re more susceptible to injuries like pulled muscles, strains, sprains and more. Not to mention, you won’t have the full range of motion to perform your best.

Defending Against Seasonal Allergies

Although beautiful during this time of year, the juniper trees and colorful blooms can plague Bendites with seasonal allergies. This overreaction of the immune system can put a damper on spring picnics and family outings. Fortunately for you, chiropractic care can boost the immune system, allowing it to fight off pollen and other pesky allergens quickly and efficiently.

Chiropractic adjustments mend subluxations, or misalignments of the spine, to restore proper function to the central nervous system. This process strengthens the communication between the brain and the rest of the nervous system, which in turn enhances the immune response.

Read more about how chiropractic can help you fight off illness and infection in our blog.

Reducing Injuries During Spring Cleaning

Chiropractic care is most effective when used year-round. In the same way that your sessions can aid in shoveling snow or raking leaves, your appointment may also facilitate with the burden of gardening and cleaning this season. The bending, twisting and lifting associated with tidying up is apt to overextending unused muscles and causing soreness that massage therapy may alleviate.

Remember to start house- and yardwork with a light warmup and stretch to decrease your risk of injury.

At Total Body Chiropractic & Massage, we understand the value that comes with proper alignment and range of motion during every season. Not only do we strive to help you feel your best, but we also provide the tools and information you need to care for your body off of the table. Stop by our office before getting into the swing of spring for an update on your physical health.

By Bend Total Body Chiropractic General Health

Try Myofascial Release Massage To Ease Pain

Over time, we grow accustomed to the dull, aching pain in various muscles and joints, chalking it up to sleeping wrong or getting older. But in some instances, this radiating discomfort may actually stem from trigger points or “muscle knots” in the myofascial tissue. Learning the common causes of myofascial pain as well as your non-invasive treatment options can help you find effective relief.

Understanding the Myofascial Tissue

To understand myofascial release therapy, you must first become familiar with the fascia, or myofascial tissue. Fascia is the web-like connective membrane that supports and surrounds muscles, bones and other soft tissue structures throughout the body.

Ideally, the fascia should remain flexible and elastic to allow joints and muscles to move freely. However, certain areas can become stiff and fixed, forming trigger points that put stress on the underlying muscles and joints.

Imagine the fascia as shoelaces – tied too tightly, they restrict the foot, potentially causing pain and numbness.

What is Myofascial Release Therapy?

Myofascial release therapy focuses on loosening tension and tightness in trigger points, which is why it is sometimes referred to as myofascial trigger point release therapy. While myofascial therapy style varies from provider to provider, two universal methods deliver the associated benefits: soft tissue manipulation and stretching.

Your therapist begins by massaging your body to feel for tight knots and manually works out kinks. Soft tissue manipulation involves applying sustained, gentle pressure to trigger points until the area relaxes. Stretching the muscles also helps to release restrictions within the fascia and restore mobility.

Uses for Myofascial Release Therapy

Trigger points can develop due to different injuries like car accidents and falls. But more commonly, these knots form gradually as a result of posture misalignments, inflammation, and nerve compression.

Oftentimes, myofascial release is used as a treatment option for conditions such as chronic headaches, temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ) and carpal tunnel syndrome. In the case of migraine, the massage therapist manipulates muscles in the neck and head to alleviate pain. Likewise, this form of therapy may also ease symptoms of back, neck, shoulder and other chronic pain by relieving pinched nerves, easing inflammation and maneuvering herniated discs.

Benefits of Myofascial Release

The process of relaxing contracted muscles provides almost immediate relief to some areas of discomfort. Because trigger points can cause radiating pain, myofascial release works to address larger muscle groups as compared to more targeted treatment options.

Through combined manipulation and stretching techniques, you may experience several benefits:

  • Improved blood and lymph circulation
  • Increased flexibility
  • Better range of motion in the joints
  • Muscle relaxation
  • Decreased pain
  • Less inflammation

Implementing a regular massage routine can help maintain the results of your myofascial release session and improve your health over time.

If you feel ongoing pain in large muscle groups, you should talk with a massage therapist about myofascial release therapy as a remedy. While you may not be able to pinpoint the cause of your pain, the trained professionals at Total Body Chiropractic and Massage will assess your body and find the necessary trigger points to bring you comfort and relaxation. In addition to myofascial release massage, Total Body chiropractors Bari Liebowitz and Dan Rhodes can also perform myofascial release using the Graston tools.

 

By Bend Total Body Chiropractic Chiropractic Care

Chiropractic Can Boost Your Immune System During Cold & Flu Season

No matter how frequently you wash your hands or how much you bundle up, you’re still susceptible to the plague of cold and flu season. In fact, unexpected factors like late nights and general holiday stress also increase your chance of illness during the winter months. Fortunately, chiropractic care may help get your immune system into fighting shape this year.

The Connection Between the Spine and the Immune System 

As you may know, your nervous system, in connection with your brain, is the driving force for every cell, tissue and organ in your body. This system acts as the main catalyst for both endocrine system (hormones) and immune system which work in tandem to quickly resolve inflammation and illness.

To ensure peak function throughout the body, the nervous system carries messages to and from the brain when something has gone awry and sends signals to initiate the appropriate response. However, misalignments in the spine, or subluxations, negatively impact the ability of the nerves to communicate with the brain. In turn, you may experience trouble fighting off infection due to the decreased capability of the nervous system.

Chiropractic Adjustments for Immune Health

Through chiropractic care, we aim to boost your immune system and overall wellness by properly aligning your spine and restoring function throughout your body. When your nerves are uninhibited, your immune system can effectively communicate with your brain at the first sign of illness and send back-up in the form of lymphocytes, phagocytes, antibodies and more.

Preliminary studies show that spinal manipulation may increase bodily levels of immune system components as soon as 15 minutes after adjustment. Research also supports that chiropractic care improves blood circulation, which enhances your body’s ability to heal itself from sickness or injury.

Other Steps for Fighting Off Illness

Aside from the general precautions taken during cold and flu season, changing your everyday habits may also protect you from illness this year. Here’s how you can keep your body in top form when you’re not on the chiropractic table.

  1. Get enough sleep – Your body uses your time at rest to fight off infection that may be building in the body. More than that, lack of sleep can influence illness on its own.
  2. Lower your stress – High levels of stress suppress your immune system and make you more likely to fall ill after exposure to common germs. Finding time to reduce stress through massage therapy or meditation may benefit you more than you know this winter.
  3. Eat healthier – The vitamins and minerals in fruits and vegetables, like vitamin C for instance, support your immune system against disease and heightens your potential to fight back should you start to feel under the weather.

Taking steps to boost your immune system through chiropractic care may reduce the number of sick days your family takes this year. We want you to live a healthier life through all seasons, starting with your physical health. Before we enter the thick of cold and flu season, stop into Total Body Chiropractic & Massage for a visit and an extra immune system boost.

By Bend Total Body Chiropractic Chiropractic Care

Proper Techniques for Shoveling Snow to Prevent Injuries

In Bend, Oregon, the winter season means snow — sometimes a lot of it — and outdoor chores like shoveling walkways and driveways. Each year like clockwork, the first snowfall brings in new clients with familiar complaints of back and core pain from shoveling. However, many of these cold-weather injuries can be prevented through proper techniques and regular chiropractic care for the fluffy, white stuff to come.

Proper Snow Shoveling Techniques

Strains, sprains and spasms from shoveling snow are so common that the American Chiropractic Association (ACA) has issued best practices for snow removal. While they offer general tips on shoveling snow, we are giving you an in-depth look at proper techniques to avoid back pain.

1. Lift with Your Knees, Not Your Back

The biggest culprit of back pain is improper shoveling technique. Rather than bending at your waist and lifting with your back, make it a point to maintain the natural curve of your spine, bend your knees and lift the load with your arms.

Additionally, don’t twist and turn to throw your snow. Instead, take a few steps toward your pile to dump heavy loads.

2. Bundle Up

Even stepping out into the cold temperatures can awaken old injuries and cause stiffness. Wear plenty of warm clothes to keep your joints and muscles loose during the process. Invest in a sturdy pair of non-slip boots to avoid falls on the ice and make moving around on the snow easier.

3. Warm Up Before Starting

You probably haven’t used the necessary muscles all year, so you should prepare them for the work to be done with jumping jacks, light stretches and a few lunges.

4. Use the Proper Equipment

Gone are the times of old-school shovels with wooden handles and no “give.” New models are ergonomically designed with lightweight plastic and will slightly curve to hold heavy loads, making the job easier on your back.

5. Plan Ahead

Keep an eye on the forecast to stay abreast of coming snowfall. You want to have ample time to clear the driveway – accounting for breaks between each section of snow. Quick movements and a rushed job will sooner result in a sprain or strain than slow, purposeful actions.

If at any time you feel chest pain or shortness of breath, stop shoveling right away. You may need medical attention.

Chiropractic Care For Snow Shoveling Injuries

Despite your best efforts, you may still find yourself sore for days after shoveling. Don’t just let the pain resolve on its own, or you’ll find yourself worsening the underlying issue on each snow day to follow.

It’s possible that you have popped a bone or disc out of alignment and need professional help to restore balance. Not only can chiropractic adjustments realign your spine, but they may also soothe irritation and inflammation along the spinal track. Additionally, massage can relax areas of spasm and loosen muscles and joints to allow you to move freely while shoveling.

If you feel off after clearing the driveway, be sure to set an appointment with us at Total Body Chiropractic and Massage immediately. We would be happy to give you demonstrations of proper snow shoveling technique and stretches to make chores a breeze this year.

By Bend Total Body Chiropractic Chiropractic Care

Chiropractic Care Can Enhance Your Skiing Performance

Ski season is right around the corner, and fortunately, so is Mt. Bachelor. Get ready for a winter filled with activities like skiing, snowboarding, sledding and more by preparing your body well before you hit the slopes.

It’s no surprise that chiropractic care has the potential to heal common ski injuries, including whiplash and herniated discs. Less obvious is that this form of treatment can also prevent certain strains and sprains during your ski day.

As you schuss down the slopes, you may hit bumps, make quick turns and even take a few falls that can throw your body out of whack. Taking the time to fine tune your body and equipment beforehand reduces the severity of these types of injuries.

Chiropractic care and massage can enhance your ski season in a few ways:

Restores proper balance

Staying upright depends mainly on balance and weight distribution. If your spine is out of alignment, you may have difficulty finding your center and making the small adjustments necessary to get you down the slopes.

Additionally, hours of skiing can cause disruptions in your spinal column. Chiropractic adjustments before and after your ski day may ease back pain in the days following.

Improves Flexibility

Tight muscles and tension increase your chance for spasms while you are on the slopes. Leaning into your turns can stretch your back past its normal range, causing tears or other pain. Massage therapy stretches and loosens tight muscles that may hinder your abilities while increasing your range of motion.

Aids in speedy recovery

Due to the cold temperatures, you may not feel symptoms right away. And while you may not think that your fall affected you, over time even small injuries can cause significant problems. Regular check-ups between ski days will keep you aligned and prevent the escalation of minor issues.

Other ways to prepare for ski season:

While chiropractic care can help you be at your best for snow activities, further preparation can prevent some aches and pains along the way.

  • Start strengthening your body now – It takes a lot of core strength to dart through trees and land airtime. Start adding ab exercises to your routine as well as leg workouts to support you on your equipment.
  • Warm-up before you ski – It’s essential to warm up before any physical activity, especially in cold temperatures. Start with a few small ski exercises, jumping jacks or squats and lunges to get your blood flowing. Once your body is warmed, do a few dynamic stretches to prepare.
  • Get the proper equipment – Make sure all of your gear fits correctly and is in good condition to avoid any unnecessary mishaps.

Make the most of your winter season by participating in all that Mt. Bachelor has to offer. Before you hit the slopes, see a professional about any existing injuries to reduce your risk of further complications. At Bend Total Body Chiropractic & Massage, we want you to live life to the fullest year-round, and that includes moving comfortably and freely down green and black diamond runs alike.

 

By Bend Total Body Chiropractic Massage Therapy

What You Should Know About Pregnancy Massage

While nine months can seem like forever at the time, pregnancy is a brief, beautiful time in a mother’s life. Treating yourself to a pregnancy massage soothes some of the pain and tension associated with pending motherhood while also encouraging serenity during the last weeks of your pregnancy.

It’s normal to have a few concerns about the massage process while you are expecting – here’s what you should know about prenatal services before you book.

Is prenatal massage safe?

Safety always comes first, especially with so much at stake. Our licensed therapists are trained in prenatal techniques to provide the best care for you and your baby. To avoid blood flow complications, all pregnancy massages are performed side-lying with comfortable support.

What’s the difference between pregnancy massage and a regular massage?

Reasonably, there are several necessary adjustments to our traditional massage techniques. For example, some pressure points in the ankles and abdomen can trigger contractions or early labor so these areas are avoided.

Similarly, we only use gentle strokes rather than deep tissue pressure to avoid releasing stored toxins into the blood, which could potentially affect the developing baby.

When should I schedule a pregnancy massage?

We recommend starting pregnancy massages at about six to eight weeks. In some cases, your massage therapist may allow you to start prenatal massages in the later stages of your second trimester.

Due to the risk of miscarriage in the early stages of pregnancy, it is not recommended to receive a massage in the first trimester.

What are the benefits of prenatal massage?

Pregnancy massage delivers several therapeutic benefits both mentally and physically. Generally, labor is made harder due to the tension and stress that builds up in your muscles. Relaxing these muscles and decreasing overall stress may make delivery easier and a bit faster.

Aside from relaxation, you may experience any number of perks from a prenatal massage:

Less Swelling

Swollen ankles, hands and feet are hallmarks of pregnancy. Massage improves blood and fluid circulation, which transports more nutrients and oxygen to your baby while releasing some of the fluid build-up in your extremities.

Hormonal Balance

High levels of cortisol – the stress hormone – have been linked to early childbirth. The soothing touch of massage decreases the cortisol levels and increases “feel good” hormones like serotonin, dopamine and oxytocin to improve your mood.

Reduced Muscle & Joint Pain

The uneven weight shift that happens during pregnancy impacts your posture and puts pressure on various nerves. Prenatal massage aims to relax tight muscles that may be compressing nerves and relieve lower back pain.

Better Sleep

Of course, the increased relaxation from your massage session may promote better sleep, but the reduced pressure on areas of your back can also make it more comfortable to rest.

With all the stress to prepare your mind and home for a new baby, taking an hour for self-care keeps you healthy and well-rested during what can be considered one of the most demanding times of your life. At Total Body Chiropractic & Massage, our experienced massage therapists will work with you to ensure that each pregnancy massage session is as pleasant and soothing as possible.

By Bend Total Body Chiropractic Chiropractic Care, Massage Therapy

In a Pinch? Treat Pinched Nerves with Chiropractic and Massage

A pinched nerve – you’ll know it when you feel it. While some medical complications lead to this condition, even everyday work requirements can increase your likelihood of experiencing the symptoms. Fortunately, non-invasive techniques like chiropractic and massage can heal this issue, without hassle, quickly and effectively.

What is a pinched nerve?

A pinched nerve results from the compression of a nerve root along the spinal column or in any joint throughout the body (as is the case with carpal tunnel). Issues with the surrounding tissue, including bone, cartilage, muscle and tendon directly cause this condition. The resulting inflammation worsens the problem by adding more tension on the nerves.

Causes of a pinched nerve

Health conditions, aging, genetics and lifestyle habits can all lead to nerve compression.

As you age, the spinal discs – or cushions between each vertebra – begin to wear down or can rupture and protrude. Such is the case with degenerative disc disease and herniated discs, respectively. With these conditions, the bones and discs put pressure directly on the nerves, which can cause issues in any part of the body.

While those conditions commonly cause pinched nerves, symptoms can result from several circumstances:

  • Poor posture
  • Injury
  • Stress, which causes you to hold tension in your muscles
  • Obesity
  • Repetitive movements in the wrists and shoulders
  • Pregnancy
  • Sports
  • Arthritis

Symptoms of a pinched nerve

Due to the widespread connection of nerve endings, you may feel pain radiating to any part of your body, depending on the location of the affected nerve root. However, pain is not the only tell-tale signs of a pinched nerve, look out for these symptoms:

  • Pain
  • Tingling
  • Numbness
  • Weakness
  • Headaches and migraines
  • Neck pain
  • Low back pain

Chiropractic treatment for a pinched nerve

While you may feel that the nerve pain is bearable, it is vital to address it with a professional. Once adjusted, your nerves can resume normal function and blood circulation. When left untreated for long periods, nerve compression can lead to chronic pain and permanent nerve damage.

Chiropractic care and massage therapy provide a natural treatment for pinched nerves by relaxing muscles and properly aligning the spine. Your chiropractor will locate the affected area and discuss your medical and social history to identify the potential cause.

Through adjustments, they will properly align your vertebrae, so they are no longer hindering your nerve function. Your chiropractor will also guide you in light stretches to do at home, which may prevent recurrence and keep you limber.

In some cases, the pinched nerve occurs due to contracted muscles and the associated inflammation. Gentle massage techniques decrease tightness and stretch out muscles to encourage blood flow and mobility.

You don’t have to live with the pain from a pinched nerve. Keep your back and body in line to prevent nerve compression and other preventable conditions. The physical, non-invasive treatments offered by Bend Total Body Chiropractic and Massage work to provide relief as soon as the first visit.

 

By Bend Total Body Chiropractic Chiropractic Care

Understanding Sciatica and How Chiropractic Can Treat It

Back pain is an extremely common symptom of various health conditions, chronic stress, poor posture, and much more. Reasonably so, people chalk this pain up to any number of factors and give a mislabeled diagnosis – such is the case with sciatica. Understanding the causes and symptoms of sciatic pain can lead you to the correct treatment option.

What is sciatica?

Sciatica refers to pain in the lower back, butt, legs and feet that results from irritation of the sciatic nerve. The largest nerve in the body, the sciatic nerve spans from the lower lumbar region, through the hips, and down the leg.

Technically, sciatica is not a condition. Rather, it is a symptom of an underlying issue that is affecting the sciatic nerve. Depending on the contributing factors, you may deal with any number of symptoms ranging from mild to severe:

  • Dull, aching pain or shooting pain, like a jolt of electricity
  • Numbness
  • Tingling
  • Muscle weakness
  • Inflammation

Causes of sciatica

Sciatica results from anything that irritates or compromises the sciatic nerve root as it exits the lumbar region at segment L4 to S3. Commonly, sciatica is caused by herniated discs, bone spurs, disc degeneration, joint dysfunction or spinal stenosis (the narrowing of the spine). Although, some factors like stress-induced trigger points, aging, obesity, sedentary or physically tasking jobs, and diabetes make you more susceptible to experiencing these disruptions.

What is NOT sciatica?

Commonly, the symptoms of sciatica are confused with other conditions. Because the pain extends to the lower body, it’s easy to believe there is an issue with the legs when its actually radiating from the sciatic nerve.

Sometimes, people confuse sciatica with the condition piriformis syndrome. This condition results due to spasms in the small piriformis muscle located in the buttocks. The tightness can also irritate the sciatic nerve and cause sciatic-like pain, numbness, and tingling from the lower back down through the feet.

Likewise, arthritis and joint pain can cause discomfort in the legs that feel similar to sciatica symptoms.

Sciatic treatment options at Bend Chiropractic

Mild or isolated cases of sciatica may resolve with time and OTC medications. Before considering surgery, your doctor will suggest non-surgical treatment options like chiropractic, acupuncture, hot-cold compress and more. Chiropractic and massage therapy can relieve pressure on the nerves and restore some level of comfort to daily activities.

Chiropractic Care

Adjustments gradually return your spine to its proper alignment. This service removes unwanted pressure from the sciatic nerve which may fully resolve the problem. Additionally, your chiropractor will give you individualized stretches and exercises to do at home that may reduce lower back pain and prevent it from returning.

Massage Therapy

Muscle tightness and spasms can constrict nerves and induce sciatic pain. Deep tissue massages and trigger point therapy works to release some of this tension and provide comfort after the first visit.

Sciatic pain, although uncomfortable, is extremely common and treatable. Because sciatica sometimes occurs due to spinal misalignments, excess tension, and other everyday factors, regular maintenance care may decrease the likelihood of sciatic pain returning. At Bend Total Body Chiropractic & Massage, we can help treat sciatica and keep you comfortably on-the-go.

 

By Bend Total Body Chiropractic Chiropractic Care

Feel Your Best This Fall with Chiropractic Care & Massage

Although the summer and many warm-weather activities may be over, the hustle and bustle of everyday life lasts year-round. With increased yard work, holiday stressors and a regular exercise routine, continuing chiropractic care during the fall and winter is necessary to keep you healthy and on the move.

Benefits of chiropractic and massage care year-round

You may not be out hiking or playing sports as much in the fall and winter, but factors like posture, exercise routine and text neck aren’t just limited to the summer months. The benefits of chiropractic care may keep you balanced and more comfortable all year long:

1. Reduced joint pain from weather

As the temperature drops, many people feel the difference in their hips, knees, arms, shoulders and back. The lower air pressure can irritate joints that may already be stiff and inflamed. Similarly, the rainy season can cause swollen and tender joints. Massage therapy reduces inflammation and increases the range of motion in aching areas.

2. Less risk for injury doing yard work

While beautiful and scenic, the falling leaves mean more yard work for you. Twisting, bending, reaching and lifting while finishing DIY projects around the house can quickly lead to strains, sprain and injury this autumn. Regular chiropractic care and massage therapy increases your flexibility and keeps you in alignment. With proper balance, you’ll be able to get more done without pulling anything during your fall clean-up.

Further decrease your chance for injury by warming up and trying these dynamic stretches before carrying out any strenuous activity.

3. Lower holiday stress and tension

Everyday stressors like work, visitors and traffic don’t take a vacation after August. Chronic stress can lead to tense muscles in the back, neck and shoulders, limiting your mobility over time.

Swedish massage relaxes both your body and mind to relieve stiffness and decreases stress hormones levels in the blood. Take on holiday visitors and festivities more easily.

4. Boost your immune system during cold & flu season

Cold weather signals the start of cold and flu season, and misalignments in the spine affect your body’s ability to fight off infection and sickness. By realigning the vertebrae through chiropractic adjustments, your nervous system can function at its best. Massage techniques also remove toxins in the muscles and increase blood circulation, boosting your body’s ability to heal itself and remain healthy.

Other ways to care for yourself this season

Chiropractic care can help you maintain a healthy lifestyle all year, especially with regular exercise and proper hydration. Try to remain active during the colder months and stay hydrated. Drinking enough water (about eight glasses a day) flushes out toxins and lubricates your joints.

Chiropractic care and massage therapy offer more than just a solution for existing health conditions and injuries. They also provide preventative care and encourage a healthier and more active lifestyle. Just because the summer is over doesn’t mean pain and stiffness end. Keep your joints in top form with regular maintenance.

By Bend Total Body Chiropractic Chiropractic Care

How Chiropractic Care & Massage Can Treat TMJ

When activities like chewing and talking start causing pain, you hope to find a solution quickly. Temporomandibular joint disorders (TMJ) not only inhibit those everyday actions but can also cause pain in the neck and back. Chiropractic care with supplemental massage therapy may relieve your jaw pain and related complications swiftly and effectively.

What is TMJ?

TMJ dysfunction is characterized by pain and inflammation in the temporomandibular joint – the sliding hinge joint connecting the jawbone to the skull. This joint allows you to open your mouth and complete everyday tasks like talking, chewing, swallowing, yawning and more.

Due to the frequent use of this joint, TMJ dysfunction can cause several painful symptoms affecting the jaw and surrounding nerves and muscles:

  • Difficulty or pain when chewing
  • Locked jaw
  • Hard to open and close the mouth
  • Clicking or grating sound when opening the mouth
  • Pain in and around the ear
  • Neck pain
  • Headache
  • Facial pain

What causes TMJ?

Pinpointing the cause of your temporomandibular joint disorder can prove challenging, but these are a few possible contributors:

  • Tooth and jaw misalignment (overbite or underbite)
  • Chronic grinding or clenching teeth
  • Arthritis
  • Misaligned disk in the jaw
  • Jaw injury
  • Poor posture
  • Stress

The cause of TMJ disorders is not always clear and may not fall into those categories. Some instances are acute, while others may be chronic or even degenerative. At Total Body Chiropractic & Massage, we can help find the cause of your discomfort to provide relief.

Chiropractic Care as Non-invasive Treatment

Sometimes acute cases of TMJ will resolve within a few weeks with little care. However, other cases can worsen when left untreated. TMJ often results from trauma, but it can also occur due to tension, nerve issues and misalignments. Not only does chiropractic care address the root cause of TMJ, but it also eases residual symptoms like neck, shoulder and back pain.

Myofascial release aims to relieve tension that may be causing your discomfort. This form of massage therapy relaxes contracted muscles surrounding the joint as well as affected areas in the neck and shoulders. It helps to stretch out the connective tissue to reduce stiffness and adhesions.

Trigger point therapy for TMJ applies pressure to specific muscles within the neck, jaw and mouth. This technique reduces pain in connected areas within the ear, temples, head and more.

Together, these chiropractic and massage techniques alleviate pain and tension within the muscles to potentially restore function.

Occasionally, TMJ dysfunction results from misalignments in the spine and the disk within the temporomandibular joint. Adjustments remove pressure off nerves and muscles and encourage proper function of the jawbone. When TMJ results from chronic stress, massage therapy can calm your mind and your body to release built-up tension.

If you are unsure where to start with your temporomandibular joint disorder, make an appointment with us at Total Body Chiropractic & Massage. Many patients experience relief even after the first session. Continual chiropractic care can keep your body properly aligned to decrease the frequency of TMJ pain.